Beijing Great Wall Half-day Private Tour

TOUR ITINERARY recommended by Fodor's and USA Today Tour code: GWA-BJ-104 We will pick you up from your hotel at 8:00am, or if you prefer, we can pick you up later in the day at 1:00pm. We will then drive to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Located 60 kms (37 miles) northeast of Beijing in Huairou County. As one of the best-preserved parts of the Great Wall, the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall used to serve as the northern barrier defending the capital and the imperial tombs. First built in the mid-6th century during the Northern Qi, Mutianyu Great Wall is older than the Badaling section of the Great Wall. In the Ming dynasty, under the supervision of General Xu Da, construction of the present wall began on the foundation of the wall of Northern Qi. In 1404, a pass was built in the wall. In 1569, the Mutianyu Great Wall was rebuilt and till today most parts of it are well preserved. Compared with other sections of Great Wall, the Mutianyu Great Wall possesses unique characteristics in its construction. Watchtowers are densely placed along this section of the Great Wall - 22 watchtowers on this 2,250-meter-long stretch. Both the outer and inner parapets are crenellated with merlots, so that shots could be fired at the enemy on both sides - a feature very rare on other parts of the Great Wall. The Mutianyu Pass consists of 3 watchtowers, one big in the center and two smaller on both sides. Standing on the same terrace, the three watchtowers are connected to each other inside and compose a rarely seen structure among all sections of Great Wall. This section of the Great Wall has seen its fair share if important visitors, from world leaders (including former U.S. President Bill Clinton and British Prime Minister John Major), to sports clubs (the NBA's Houston Rockets). While Mutianyu does get its fair share of visitors, it does not get as packed as Badaling, allowing you to have a peaceful time exploring the wall. After walking around on Mutianyu, you have the option of coming down via walking, taking a cable car, or taking a toboggan ride (lots of fun and highly recommended!). After meeting our car in the parking lot, we will transfer you back directly to your hotel. For those business travelers or those with limited time available, this is the best way to get your Great Wall fix. While a half-day event it will still allow you plenty of time on the Great Wall (about two hours). This tour comes recommended by Fodor's in their most recent China travel guide and USA Today's "Travel Guide for the Great Wall at Mutianyu in China."                         Mutianyu Chair Lift, optional                              Mutianyu Toboggan (German technology) , optional.      * This tour can be expanded to a full day tour that includes Ming Tombs (Underground Palace) on the way for an additional fee. To learn about Mutianyu + Underground Palace package, please visit this page.

Included

1. Professional local guide & driver;
2. Private air-conditioned car or van for transportation;
3. Admission to the first gate.

Alternative Bus Tour

Bus tour is also available for visitors with limited budget. Price is at RMB249 (USD37.99). Side tour to Ming Tomb is also included. Free lunch. Details are on the Mutianyu Bus Tour page.